February 21, 2008 - 4:56am
Malaspina University-College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program received special recognition this month, and it translates into good news for students.
The BSN program received the maximum five year program recognition designation from the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC).
"Recognition from CRNBC ensures our graduates are eligible to write national exams and apply for licenses to receive the title Registered Nurse (RN)," explained Maureen O’Connor, co-chair of the BSN program.
The CRNBC five year recognition extends to North Island College as well, where Malaspina confers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for students living in the Comox Valley area and other northern Vancouver Island communities.
"CRNBC’s program review process is stringent," said Dean of Health and Human Services programs, Laureen Styles. "Being awarded five year recognition with no recommendations (for improvement) demonstrates that Malaspina’s BSN program prepares graduates to competently meet the needs of the population."
Several steps are involved in the review process, including an extensive written assessment by a review committee, and a site visit by a team of nurses. Interviews were held to obtain feedback about the program from students, graduates, faculty, and practice partners in agencies within VIHA.
The BSN program is also currently undergoing appraisal through the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), the official accreditation organization for nursing programs in Canada.
"This assessment is optional for nursing programs and provides an additional opportunity for the Malaspina BSN program to be evaluated and celebrated. Malaspina has achieved seven years accreditation in the past and is hoping for a further seven years," added O'Connor.
CASN accreditation is an award of excellence in academic education typically reserved for outstanding schools of nursing. For graduates, attending an accredited school providesadditionalcredibility when applying for graduate programs to further their careers.
The Malaspina BSN program is part of a nine partner Collaboration for Academic Education in Nursing (CAEN), which also includes the University of Victoria, Thompson Rivers University, the University of British Columbia-Okanagan, College of the Rockies, Aurora College, Selkirk College, and Camosun College.
"This collaboration isone of the largest partnerships for nursing education in Canada," said O'Connor. "Belonging to the CAEN provides opportunities for accessing broad expertise when developing and implementing curriculum. All schools in the partnership either hold accreditation status or are undergoing initial accreditation processes."
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